"I grew up with bands like White Snake, Metallica, Def Leopard," says Tinsley Mortimer about her surprising references for the collection of Fall bags she designed for Samantha Thavasa, the popular Japanese handbag line. The collection, reminiscent of early '90s glam, consists of five styles for each season, means five interpretations of "lingerie, lace, and corsets" for every  time the leaves change.  One model, "White Snake" is a skin print in black, gray and white; tie-dye is another of the designer's favorites: "I just think it reflects the collection as a whole so well!"

Thavasa approached Tinsley five years ago for the position of designer, and spokesmodel for the company. "I was and am so flattered to be a part of such a large and successful growing company," Tinsley says. The brand has over 160 stores in Japan. On Tuesday night, the Samantha Thavasa store in New York hosted a preview for the launch of the collection. Tinsley recounts her run-in with one guest: "A blogger came up to me and started singing Poison's 'Cry Tough' song, in reference to one of the 'Poison' leather chain handbags I designed," she says. "We definitely had a good laugh."